Nigeria Volleyball Team Step Up Preparations for African Championship

Nigeria’s senior men’s volleyball team has intensified preparations for the 2026 African Men’s Volleyball Nations Championship, with the continental competition scheduled to take place in Tunis, Tunisia.

The championship was initially scheduled to hold in the Democratic Republic of Congo but was subsequently moved to Tunisia. The competition is expected to bring together 16 of Africa’s leading men’s volleyball nations.

Nigeria secured qualification after an impressive campaign at the Zone 3 qualifiers in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where the team defeated Benin Republic 3-1 to complete an unbeaten run.

The victory followed earlier wins over Niger Republic, Côte d’Ivoire and Togo, earning Nigeria a place at the continental showpiece.

The Nigeria Volleyball Federation has since stepped up preparations, inviting 22 players to a national training camp in Abuja. The squad comprises four setters, five middle blockers, six outside hitters, four opposites and three liberos.

Four foreign-based players — Arinze Nwachukwu, Vincent Mathias, Pascal Okoye and Izuchukwu Oforah — were included in the invitation, while the remaining players were selected from clubs competing in the Nigeria Volleyball Premier League.

Japanese tactician Ryan Masajedi is leading the technical team, assisted by Taiwo Oladipupo, Tswevini Yohanna and Jonah Adamu.

The training camp is providing the coaching staff with an opportunity to assess the players, improve combinations and develop the squad ahead of the continental challenge.

NVBF Technical Committee Chairman, Prince Tunde Omisore, expressed confidence that Masajedi’s international experience would add value to Nigeria’s preparations and campaign.

Captain Abdulquadri Jaiyeola, who played an important role in Nigeria’s qualification, is expected to provide leadership as the team targets a strong showing in Tunisia.

The championship carries additional significance because it will also serve as an important qualification pathway for major international competitions, including the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Nigeria will face some of the continent’s strongest volleyball nations in the tournament, making adequate preparation crucial to the team’s ambitions.

With the competition approaching, the federation and technical crew are expected to continue fine-tuning the squad while ensuring the players attain peak fitness and tactical readiness.

The Nigerian side will hope its successful qualification campaign can provide the foundation for a competitive performance and a strong challenge for continental honours in Tunisia.